YUMA, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents working near Yuma, Arizona and Blythe, California rescued 13 illegal aliens, including a pregnant woman and two men falsely claiming to be children, in separate events this week.
At approximately 5:50 p.m. Tuesday, Yuma Station agents discovered footprints along the U.S./Mexico International Boundary before spotting two subjects west of Avenue B near County 24th Street. Agents arrived on scene to find two individuals in the U.S. illegally, a pregnant woman and a man claiming to be a minor.
The woman showed signs of dehydration and was first given assistance by the agents while emergency medical services were called in for medical support and transport. She was taken by ambulance to the Yuma Regional Medical Center for further care before being released into Border Patrol custody.
The second subject initially claimed to be a 17-year-old Guatemalan national, but agents discovered he was actually a 24-year-old Mexican national. The man reported to agents a human smuggler told him to make the fraudulent claim. He was advised representing himself as an unaccompanied child from Guatemala would ensure his release into the United Stated by law enforcement. Both subjects were processed for immigration violations.
On Wednesday at approximately 8:40 a.m., Blythe Station agents were informed that nine illegal aliens were traveling through the desert near Blythe, California. A short time later, California Highway Patrol received a 911 call from an individual in the same group reporting he and eight others were stranded without water. CHP deployed a fixed-wing aircraft to locate those in distress. Agents found the group and immediately provided water at the scene. All of the individuals were provided a medical assessment and found to be in good health. All nine were placed into custody and processed for immigration violations.
Later that day at approximately 7:45 p.m., Yuma Station agents located two subjects west of Avenue B and near County 24th Street. One subject was unconscious and apparently suffering from heat exhaustion. The second subject, also suffering from heat exhaustion, initially claimed to be a 17-year-old juvenile, but through an investigation was determined to be a 24-year-old Mexican national. They were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center by ambulance and treated before released to agents. Both subjects were processed for immigration violations.
The two 24-year-old men from Mexico in the above incidents were later found to be brothers who were traveling separately. Both were instructed by a smuggler to make the false claim.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.